The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX) 10-Q 7 Apr 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	GBX
Entity Registrant Name	GREENBRIER COMPANIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	923120
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,392,883

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$145,512	$184,916
Restricted cash	8,722	20,140
Accounts receivable, net	207,488	199,679
Inventories	418,590	305,656
Leased railcars for syndication	198,010	125,850
Equipment on operating leases, net	261,234	258,848
Property, plant and equipment, net	271,977	243,698
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	71,225	69,359
Goodwill	43,265	43,265
Intangibles and other assets, net	64,386	65,757
Total assets	1,690,409	1,517,168
Liabilities and Equity
Revolving notes	90,563	13,081
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	417,844	383,289
Deferred income taxes	77,632	81,383
Deferred revenue	28,287	20,603
Notes payable	441,326	445,091
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Greenbrier
Preferred stock - without par value; 25,000 shares authorized; none outstanding
Common stock - without par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 26,420 and 27,364 shares outstanding at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	199,893	235,763
Retained earnings	357,523	282,559
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-15,925	-6,932
Total equity - Greenbrier	541,491	511,390
Noncontrolling interest	93,266	62,331
Total equity	634,757	573,721
Liabilities and Equity	$1,690,409	$1,517,168

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Preferred stock, without par value
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000	25,000
Preferred stock, outstanding
Common stock, without par value
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	26,420	27,364

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
Revenue
Revenue	$630,149		$502,216		$1,125,207		$992,571
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	504,839		444,365		911,829		873,161
Margin	125,310		57,851		213,378		119,410
Selling and administrative expense	32,899		28,125		66,628		54,234
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-121		-5,416		-204		-9,067
Restructuring charges			540				1,419
Earnings from operations	92,532		34,602		146,954		72,824
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange	1,929		4,099		5,070		8,843
Earnings before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	90,603		30,503		141,884		63,981
Income tax (expense) benefit	-29,372		-9,883		-45,426		-20,405
Earnings before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	61,231		20,620		96,458		43,576
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-185		-67		570		-26
Net earnings	61,046		20,553		97,028		43,550
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	-10,695		-4,966		-13,891		-12,575
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier	50,351		15,587		83,137		30,975
Basic earnings per common share	$1.86		$0.55		$3.04		$1.09
Diluted earnings per common share	$1.57	[1]	$0.50	[1]	$2.57	[1]	$0.98	[1]
Weighted average common shares:
Basic	27,028	[2]	28,300	[2]	27,348	[2]	28,359	[2]
Diluted	33,073		34,345		33,395		34,404
Dividends declared per common share	$0.15				$0.30
Manufacturing
Revenue
Revenue	505,241		347,755		885,190		707,228
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	403,227		306,572		719,264		618,012
Wheels & Parts
Revenue
Revenue	102,640		136,540		189,264		249,941
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	92,768		127,940		169,640		235,915
Leasing & Services
Revenue
Revenue	22,268		17,921		50,753		35,402
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	$8,844		$9,853		$22,925		$19,234
[1]	Diluted earnings per share was calculated as follows: Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs (net of tax) on convertible notes Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
[2]	Restricted stock grants and restricted stock units, including some grants subject to certain performance criteria, are included in weighted average basic common shares outstanding when the Company is in a net earnings position.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
Net earnings	$61,046		$20,553		$97,028		$43,550
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment	-6,241		811		-9,691		3,322
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings	382	[1]	180	[1]	671	[1]	317	[1]
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	192	[2]	352	[2]	-114	[2]	1,114	[2]
Other (net of tax effect)	8				6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,659		1,343		-9,128		4,753
Comprehensive income	55,387		21,896		87,900		48,303
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-10,608		-4,986		-13,756		-12,636
Comprehensive income attributable to Greenbrier	$44,779		$16,910		$74,144		$35,667
[1]	Net of tax of effect of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 and $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
[2]	Net of tax of effect of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 and $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings, tax	$0.20	$0.10	$0.40	$0.30
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, tax	$0.10	$0.10	$0.50	$0.30

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Attributable to Greenbrier	Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data	USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$456,827		$259,864	$174,842	($6,504)	$428,202	$28,625
Beginning balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2013		28,084,000
Net earnings	43,550			30,975		30,975	12,575
Other comprehensive income, net	4,753				4,692	4,692	61
Noncontrolling interest adjustments	2,439						2,439
Investment by joint venture partner	419						419
Joint venture partner distribution declared	-3,109						-3,109
Restricted stock awards (net of cancellations) (in shares)		12,000
Restricted stock awards (net of cancellations)	458		458			458
Unamortized restricted stock	-458		-458			-458
Restricted stock amortization	2,862		2,862			2,862
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards	110		110			110
Repurchase of stock	-10,272		-10,272			-10,272
Repurchase of stock, shares		-289,000
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2014	497,579		252,564	205,817	-1,812	456,569	41,010
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2014		27,807,000
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2014	573,721		235,763	282,559	-6,932	511,390	62,331
Beginning balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2014	27,364,000	27,364,000
Net earnings	97,028			83,137		83,137	13,891
Other comprehensive income, net	-9,128				-8,993	-8,993	-135
Noncontrolling interest adjustments	21,824						21,824
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	-80						-80
Joint venture partner distribution declared	-4,565						-4,565
Restricted stock awards (net of cancellations) (in shares)		-82,000
Restricted stock awards (net of cancellations)	-1,298		-1,298			-1,298
Unamortized restricted stock	1,298		1,298			1,298
Restricted stock amortization	7,193		7,193			7,193
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards	3,858		3,858			3,858
Conversion of convertible notes (in shares)		1,000
Conversion of convertible notes	25		25			25
Cash dividends	-8,173			-8,173		-8,173
Repurchase of stock	-46,946		-46,946			-46,946
Repurchase of stock, shares		-863,000
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2015	$634,757		$199,893	$357,523	($15,925)	$541,491	$93,266
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2015	26,420,000	26,420,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$97,028	$43,550
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	-3,245	-1,448
Depreciation and amortization	22,398	20,753
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-204	-9,067
Stock based compensation expense	7,193	2,862
Noncontrolling interest adjustments	21,824	2,439
Other	549	329
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	-6,256	6,900
Inventories	-116,432	9,147
Leased railcars for syndication	-75,564	-13,603
Other	-355	68
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	37,521	-487
Deferred revenue	7,750	5,377
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-7,793	66,820
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of assets	3,019	28,671
Capital expenditures	-53,856	-16,529
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	-5,715	-1,253
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	418	-157
Other	467
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-55,667	10,732
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less	53,000
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days	42,563	31,738
Repayments of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days	-18,081	-53,209
Repayments of notes payable	-3,740	-2,462
Decrease in restricted cash	11,000
Repurchase of stock	-46,946	-8,889
Dividends	-8,016
Investment by joint venture partner		419
Cash distribution to joint venture partner	-4,422	-1,604
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards	3,858	110
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	29,216	-33,897
Effect of exchange rate changes	-5,160	2,839
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-39,404	46,494
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period	184,916	97,435
End of period	145,512	143,929
Cash paid during the period for
Interest	7,439	6,610
Income taxes, net	50,570	29,283
Non-cash activity
Dividends declared and accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	157
Transfer from Leased railcars for syndication to Equipment on operating equipment, net	3,313
Capital expenditures accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,451
Transfer of Inventories to Leased railcars for syndication		2,776
Repurchase of stock accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$1,383

Interim_Financial_Statements

Interim Financial Statements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Interim Financial Statements	Note 1 – Interim Financial Statements
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Greenbrier or the Company) as of February 28, 2015 and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 have been prepared without audit and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods indicated. The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year ending August 31, 2015.
	Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	Management Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires judgment on the part of management to arrive at estimates and assumptions on matters that are inherently uncertain. These estimates may affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities within the financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are periodically evaluated and may be adjusted in future periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Prospective Accounting Changes – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) jointly issued a converged standard on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The issued guidance converges the criteria for reporting revenue, as well as requiring disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from these contracts. Companies can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative effective adjustment as of the date of adoption. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company plans to adopt this guidance beginning September 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact of this standard as well as its method of adoption on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	Share Repurchase Programs – In October 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company completed this share repurchase program in October 2014. In October 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the Company to repurchase up to an additional $50 million of the Company’s common stock. In January 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $25 million increase to the October 2014 share repurchase program, bringing the total to $75 million. The new share repurchase program expires June 30, 2016, but may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. Under the share repurchase programs, shares of common stock may be purchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time-to-time. The timing and amount of purchases will be based upon market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The share repurchase programs do not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares in any period.
	During the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, the Company purchased a total of 483,983 and 862,678 shares for approximately $23.8 million and $46.9 million, respectively, under these share repurchase programs. As of February 28, 2015 the Company had $43.6 million available under the $75 million share repurchase program. Subsequent to February 28, 2015 and through April 2, 2015, the Company purchased an additional 28,363 shares for approximately $1.5 million under the share repurchase program.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventories	Note 2 – Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Work-in-process includes material, labor and overhead. The following table summarizes the Company’s inventory balance:
	(In thousands)	February 28,			August 31,
		2015			2014
	Manufacturing supplies and raw materials	$	329,169		$	235,903
	Work-in-process		70,710			48,853
	Finished goods		21,779			23,766
	Excess and obsolete adjustment		(3,068	)		(2,866	)
		$	418,590		$	305,656

Intangibles_and_Other_Assets_n

Intangibles and Other Assets, net	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Intangibles and Other Assets, net	Note 3 – Intangibles and Other Assets, net
	Intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized and are periodically evaluated for impairment.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable intangible and other assets balance:
	(In thousands)	February 28,			August 31,
		2015			2014
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships	$	65,023		$	65,023
	Accumulated amortization		(32,018	)		(30,282	)
	Other intangibles		3,455			3,699
	Accumulated amortization		(3,065	)		(3,156	)
			33,395			35,284
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization		912			912
	Nonqualified savings plan investments		12,439			10,223
	Prepaid and other assets		11,245			11,736
	Debt issuance costs, net		6,395			7,602
	Total Intangible and other assets, net	$	64,386		$	65,757
	Amortization expense for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 was $0.9 million and $1.8 million and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 was $1.0 million and $2.6 million. Amortization expense for the years ending August 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 is expected to be $3.6 million, $3.6 million, $3.6 million, $3.4 million and $3.4 million.

Revolving_Notes

Revolving Notes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Revolving Notes	Note 4 – Revolving Notes
	Senior secured credit facilities, consisting of three components, aggregated to $356.5 million as of February 28, 2015.
	As of February 28, 2015, a $290.0 million revolving line of credit, maturing June 2016, secured by substantially all the Company’s assets in the U.S. not otherwise pledged as security for term loans, was available to provide working capital and interim financing of equipment, principally for the U.S. and Mexican operations. Advances under this facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% or Prime plus 1.25% depending on the type of borrowing. Available borrowings under the credit facility are generally based on defined levels of inventory, receivables, property, plant and equipment and leased equipment, as well as total debt to consolidated capitalization and fixed charges coverage ratios.
	As of February 28, 2015, lines of credit totaling $16.5 million secured by certain of the Company’s European assets, with various variable rates that range from Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate (“WIBOR”) plus 1.2% to WIBOR plus 1.5%, were available for working capital needs of the European manufacturing operation. European credit facilities are continually being renewed. Currently these European credit facilities have maturities that range from June 2015 through April 2017.
	As of February 28, 2015, the Company’s Mexican joint venture had two lines of credit totaling $50.0 million. The first line of credit provides up to $20.0 million and is secured by certain of the joint venture’s accounts receivable and inventory. Advances under this facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.5%. The Mexican joint venture will be able to draw amounts available under this facility through April 2015 and a renewal of this facility is currently in process. The second line of credit provides up to $30.0 million and is fully guaranteed by each of the joint venture partners, including the Company. Advances under this facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.0%. The Mexican joint venture will be able to draw against this facility through January 2019.
	As of February 28, 2015, outstanding commitments under the senior secured credit facilities consisted of $10.1 million in letters of credit and $53.0 million in revolving notes under the North American credit facility and $37.6 million outstanding in revolving notes under the Mexican joint venture credit facilities.
	As of August 31, 2014, outstanding commitments under the senior secured credit facilities consisted of $9.6 million in letters of credit under the North American credit facility and $13.1 million outstanding in revolving notes under the Mexican joint venture credit facilities.

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Note 5 – Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
	(In thousands)	February 28,		August 31,
		2015		2014
	Trade payables	$	258,371	$	204,744
	Other accrued liabilities		61,453		66,421
	Accrued payroll and related liabilities		54,932		64,959
	Accrued maintenance		16,698		14,329
	Income taxes payable		13,530		19,709
	Accrued warranty		9,188		9,340
	Other		3,672		3,787
		$	417,844	$	383,289

Warranty_Accruals

Warranty Accruals	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Warranty Accruals	Note 6 – Warranty Accruals
	Warranty costs are estimated and charged to operations to cover a defined warranty period. The estimated warranty cost is based on the history of warranty claims for each particular product type. For new product types without a warranty history, preliminary estimates are based on historical information for similar product types. The warranty accruals, included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are reviewed periodically and updated based on warranty trends and expirations of warranty periods.
	Warranty accrual activity:
	(In thousands)	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		February 28,						February 28,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	8,896		$	11,479		$	9,340		$	12,128
	Charged to cost of revenue, net		1,299			625			1,946			1,247
	Payments		(829	)		(1,511	)		(1,803	)		(2,983	)
	Currency translation effect		(178	)		80			(295	)		281
	Balance at end of period	$	9,188		$	10,673		$	9,188		$	10,673

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Note 7 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect as appropriate, consisted of the following:
	(In thousands)		Unrealized			Foreign			Other			Accumulated
			Loss on			Currency						Other
			Derivative			Translation						Comprehensive
			Financial			Adjustment						Loss
			Instruments
	Balance, August 31, 2014		$	(1,601	)	$	(4,813	)	$	(518	)	$	(6,932	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(114	)		(9,556	)1		6			(9,664	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			671			—			—			671
	Balance, February 28, 2015		$	(1,044	)	$	(14,369	)	$	(512	)	$	(15,925	)
	1	Primarily relates to the foreign currency translation of the Company’s Zloty functional currency operations in Poland to US Dollars.
	The amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss into the Consolidated Statements of Income, with presentation location, were as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended						Financial Statement
			February 28,						February 28,
	(In thousands)		2015			2014			2015			2014			Location
	(Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	127		$	(89	)	$	134		$	(240	)	Revenue
	Interest rate swap contracts			450			409			907			829		Interest and foreign exchange
				577			320			1,041			589		Total before tax
				(195	)		(140	)		(370	)		(272	)	Tax expense
			$	382		$	180		$	671		$	317		Net of tax

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Earnings Per Share	Note 8 – Earnings Per Share
	The shares used in the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per common share are reconciled as follows:
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			February 28,				February 28,
			2015		2014		2015		2014
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding (1)			27,028		28,300		27,348		28,359
	Dilutive effect of 2018 Convertible notes (2)			6,044		6,045		6,044		6,045
	Dilutive effect of 2026 Convertible notes (3)			1		—		3		—
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding			33,073		34,345		33,395		34,404
	-1	Restricted stock grants and restricted stock units, including some grants subject to certain performance criteria, are included in weighted average basic common shares outstanding when the Company is in a net earnings position.
	-2	The dilutive effect of the 2018 Convertible notes was included for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 as they were considered dilutive under the “if converted” method as further discussed below.
	-3	The dilutive effect of the 2026 Convertible notes was included for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 as the average stock price was greater than $48.05, as further described below. The effect of the 2026 Convertible notes was excluded for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 as the average stock price was less than $48.05 and therefore was considered anti-dilutive.
	Dilutive EPS for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 was calculated using the more dilutive of two approaches. The first approach includes the dilutive effect of shares underlying the 2026 Convertible notes in the share count using the treasury stock method. The second approach supplements the first by including the “if converted” effect of the 2018 Convertible notes issued in March 2011. Under the “if converted” method, debt issuance and interest costs, both net of tax, associated with the convertible notes are added back to net earnings and the share count is increased by the shares underlying the convertible notes. The 2026 Convertible notes are included in the calculation of both approaches using the treasury stock method when the average stock price is greater than the initial conversion price of $48.05.
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			February 28,				February 28,
			2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier		$	50,351	$	15,587	$	83,137	$	30,975
	Add back:
	Interest and debt issuance costs on the 2018 Convertible notes, net of tax			1,416		1,416		2,832		2,832
	Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs on convertible notes		$	51,767	$	17,003	$	85,969	$	33,807
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding			33,073		34,345		33,395		34,404
	Diluted earnings per share (1)		$	1.57	$	0.5	$	2.57	$	0.98
	-1	Diluted earnings per share was calculated as follows:
	Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs (net of tax) on convertible notes
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Stock Based Compensation	Note 9 – Stock Based Compensation
	The value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is amortized as compensation expense from the date of grant through the earlier of the vesting period or the recipient’s eligible retirement date. Awards are expensed upon grant when the recipient’s eligible retirement date precedes the grant date.
	Compensation expense for restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants was $3.8 million and $7.2 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and $1.5 million and $2.9 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014. Compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants is recorded in Selling and administrative expense and Cost of revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Derivative Instruments	Note 10 – Derivative Instruments
	Foreign operations give rise to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts with established financial institutions are utilized to hedge a portion of that risk in Euro. Interest rate swap agreements are used to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on certain debt. The Company’s foreign currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges, and therefore the effective portion of unrealized gains and losses is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.
	At February 28, 2015 exchange rates, forward exchange contracts for the purchase of Polish Zloty and the sale of Euro aggregated $86.8 million. The fair value of the contracts is included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Accounts payable and accrued liabilities when there is a loss, or as Accounts receivable, net when there is a gain. As the contracts mature at various dates through February 2016, any such gain or loss remaining will be recognized in manufacturing revenue along with the related transactions. In the event that the underlying sales transaction does not occur or does not occur in the period designated at the inception of the hedge, the amount classified in accumulated other comprehensive loss would be reclassified to the current year’s results of operations in Interest and foreign exchange.
	At February 28, 2015, an interest rate swap agreement maturing in March 2020 had a notional amount of $97.4 million. The fair value of the contract is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As interest expense on the underlying debt is recognized, amounts corresponding to the interest rate swap are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and charged or credited to interest expense. At February 28, 2015 interest rates, approximately $1.7 million would be reclassified to interest expense in the next 12 months.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
				February 28,				August 31,					February 28,				August 31,
				2015				2014					2015				2014
	(In thousands)	Balance sheet		Fair				Fair			Balance sheet		Fair				Fair
		location		Value				Value			location		Value				Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign forward exchange contracts	Accounts receivable, net		$	1,330			$	129		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	6			$	704
	Interest rate swap contracts	Intangibles and other assets, net			—				—		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			2,253				1,286
				$	1,330			$	129				$	2,259			$	1,990
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign forward	Accounts receivable, net		$	104			$	71		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	4			$	5
	exchange contracts
	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Location of gain recognized in income on		Gain recognized in income on derivatives
		derivatives		six months ended
				February 28,
				2015				2014
	Foreign forward exchange contract	Interest and foreign exchange		$	81			$	196
	Interest rate swap contracts	Interest and foreign exchange			69				—
				$	150			$	196
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Gain (loss)								Location of	Gain (loss)								Location of	Gain recognized
		recognized in OCI								gain (loss)	reclassified from								gain in	on derivative
		on derivatives								reclassified	accumulated OCI								income on	(ineffective
		(effective portion)								from	into income								derivative	portion and
		six months ended								accumulated	(effective portion)								(ineffective	amount
		February 28,								OCI into	six months ended								portion and	excluded from
										income	February 28,								amount	effectiveness
																			excluded from	testing)
																			effectiveness	six months ended
																			testing)	February 28,
		2015				2014					2015				2014					2015		2014
	Foreign forward exchange contracts	$	1,204			$	1,388			Revenue	$	(134	)		$	239			Interest and	$	792	$	384
																			foreign
																			exchange
	Interest rate swap contracts		(1,925	)			13			Interest and		(907	)			(828	)		Interest and		—		—
										foreign									foreign
										exchange									exchange
		$	(721	)		$	1,401				$	(1,041	)		$	(589	)			$	792	$	384

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Segment Information	Note 11 – Segment Information
	Through July 18, 2014, Greenbrier operated in three reportable segments: Manufacturing; Wheels, Repair & Parts; and Leasing & Services. On July 18, 2014, the Company completed the formation of GBW, an unconsolidated 50/50 joint venture with Watco which became the Company’s fourth reportable segment (GBW Joint Venture) upon formation. The Wheels & Parts segment (previously known as Wheels, Repair & Parts through 2014) included the results of operations for its repair, refurbishment, maintenance and retrofitting (“Repair”) operations through July 18, 2014. After July 18, 2014, the results of GBW were included as part of Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates as the Company accounts for its interest in GBW under the equity method of accounting. Certain assets including real property, personal property, accounts receivable and accounts payable were not contributed or sold to GBW and remained as part of the Wheels & Parts segment.
	The results of operations for the GBW Joint Venture are not reflected in the tables below as the investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. For the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, GBW generated total revenue of $83.3 million and $165.9 million. GBW had total assets of $217.4 million and $210.6 million as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014. The Company recorded a loss of $0.3 million and earnings of $0.1 million in Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates associated with GBW for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015. The Company’s total investment in GBW at February 28, 2015 was $57.7 million which is included in unallocated assets in the tables below.
	The accounting policies of the segments are described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Performance is evaluated based on Earnings from operations. Corporate includes selling and administrative costs not directly related to goods and services and certain costs that are intertwined among segments due to our integrated business. The Company does not allocate Interest and foreign exchange or Income tax expense for either external or internal reporting purposes. Intersegment sales and transfers are valued as if the sales or transfers were to third parties. Related revenue and margin are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are not included in consolidated results in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The information in the following table is derived directly from the segments’ internal financial reports used for corporate management purposes.
	For the three months ended February 28, 2015:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	505,241	$	81		$	505,322		$	90,876		$	9		$	90,885
	Wheels & Parts		102,640		5,934			108,574			7,976			653			8,629
	Leasing & Services		22,268		18,627			40,895			9,811			18,627			28,438
	Eliminations		—		(24,642	)		(24,642	)		—			(19,289	)		(19,289	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(16,131	)		—			(16,131	)
		$	630,149	$	—		$	630,149		$	92,532		$	—		$	92,532
	For the six months ended February 28, 2015:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	885,190	$	7,501		$	892,691		$	142,927		$	795		$	143,722
	Wheels & Parts		189,264		12,845			202,109			15,908			1,437			17,345
	Leasing & Services		50,753		31,811			82,564			20,853			31,811			52,664
	Eliminations		—		(52,157	)		(52,157	)		—			(34,043	)		(34,043	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(32,734	)		—			(32,734	)
		$	1,125,207	$	—		$	1,125,207		$	146,954		$	—		$	146,954
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	347,755	$	—		$	347,755		$	30,112		$	—		$	30,112
	Wheels & Parts		136,540		2,307			138,847			3,574			42			3,616
	Leasing & Services		17,921		5,414			23,335			9,636			5,420			15,056
	Eliminations		—		(7,721	)		(7,721	)		—			(5,462	)		(5,462	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(8,720	)		—			(8,720	)
		$	502,216	$	—		$	502,216		$	34,602		$	—		$	34,602
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	707,228	$	—		$	707,228		$	68,426		$	—		$	68,426
	Wheels & Parts		249,941		3,960			253,901			3,201			73			3,274
	Leasing & Services		35,402		8,289			43,691			18,305			8,289			26,594
	Eliminations		—		(12,249	)		(12,249	)		—			(8,362	)		(8,362	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(17,108	)		—			(17,108	)
		$	992,571	$	—		$	992,571		$	72,824		$	—		$	72,824
		Total assets
		February 28,		August 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing	$	663,567	$	521,711
	Wheels & Parts		291,358		298,009
	Leasing & Services		516,835		436,075
	Unallocated		218,649		261,373
		$	1,690,409	$	1,517,168

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility is located adjacent to the Willamette River. The Company has entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) in which the Company agreed to conduct an investigation of whether, and to what extent, past or present operations at the Portland property may have released hazardous substances into the environment.
	In December 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified portions of the Willamette River bed known as the Portland Harbor, including the portion fronting the Company’s manufacturing facility, as a federal “National Priority List” or “Superfund” site due to sediment contamination (the “Portland Harbor Site”). The Company and more than 140 other parties, have received a “General Notice” of potential liability from the EPA relating to the Portland Harbor Site. The letter advised the Company that it may be liable for the costs of investigation and remediation (which liability may be joint and several with other potentially responsible parties) as well as for natural resource damages resulting from releases of hazardous substances to the site. At this time, ten private and public entities, including the Company (the “Lower Willamette Group” or “LWG”), have signed an Administrative Order on Consent (“AOC”) to perform a remedial investigation/feasibility study (“RI/FS”) of the Portland Harbor Site under EPA oversight, and several additional entities have not signed such consent, but are nevertheless contributing money to the effort. The EPA-mandated RI/FS is being conducted by the LWG and has cost over $110 million during a 14-year period. The Company has agreed to initially bear a percentage of the total costs incurred by the LWG in connection with the investigation. The Company’s aggregate expenditure has not been material during the 14-year period. Some or all of any such outlay may be recoverable from other responsible parties. EPA expects the investigation to continue until 2017.
	Eighty-three parties, including the State of Oregon and the federal government, have entered into a non-judicial mediation process to try to allocate costs associated with the Portland Harbor site. Approximately 110 additional parties have signed tolling agreements related to such allocations. On April 23, 2009, the Company and the other AOC signatories filed suit against 69 other parties due to a possible limitations period for some such claims; Arkema Inc. et al v. A & C Foundry Products, Inc.et al, US District Court, District of Oregon, Case #3:09-cv-453-PK. All but 12 of these parties elected to sign tolling agreements and be dismissed without prejudice, and the case has now been stayed by the court, pending completion of the RI/FS. Although, as described below, the draft feasibility study has been submitted, the RI/FS will not be complete until the EPA approves it, which is not likely to occur until at least 2016.
	A draft of the remedial investigation study was submitted to the EPA on October 27, 2009. The draft feasibility study was submitted to the EPA on March 30, 2012. The draft feasibility study evaluates several alternative cleanup approaches. The approaches submitted would take from 2 to 28 years with costs ranging from $169 million to $1.8 billion for cleanup of the entire Portland Harbor Site, depending primarily on the selected remedial action levels. The draft feasibility study suggests costs ranging from $9 million to $163 million for cleanup of the area of the Willamette River adjacent to the Company’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility, depending primarily on the selected remedial action level.
	The draft feasibility study does not address responsibility for the costs of clean-up or allocate such costs among the potentially responsible parties, or define precise boundaries for the cleanup. Responsibility for funding and implementing the EPA’s selected cleanup will be determined after the issuance of the Record of Decision, currently scheduled by the EPA for 2017. Based on the investigation to date, the Company believes that it did not contribute in any material way to contamination in the river sediments or the damage of natural resources in the Portland Harbor Site and that the damage in the area of the Portland Harbor Site adjacent to its property precedes its ownership of the Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility. Because these environmental investigations are still underway, sufficient information is currently not available to determine the Company’s liability, if any, for the cost of any required remediation or restoration of the Portland Harbor Site or to estimate a range of potential loss. Based on the results of the pending investigations and future assessments of natural resource damages, the Company may be required to incur costs associated with additional phases of investigation or remedial action, and may be liable for damages to natural resources. In addition, the Company may be required to perform periodic maintenance dredging in order to continue to launch vessels from its launch ways in Portland, Oregon, on the Willamette River, and the river’s classification as a Superfund site could result in some limitations on future dredging and launch activities. Any of these matters could adversely affect the Company’s business and Consolidated Financial Statements, or the value of its Portland property.
	The Company has also signed an Order on Consent with the DEQ to finalize the investigation of potential onsite sources of contamination that may have a release pathway to the Willamette River. Interim precautionary measures are also required in the order and the Company is currently discussing with the DEQ potential remedial actions which may be required. Our aggregate expenditure has not been material, however the Company could incur significant expenses for remediation. Some or all of any such outlay may be recoverable from other responsible parties.
	On October 13, 2014, the Company disclosed that it received various complaints through its whistleblower hotline concerning alleged misconduct involving a senior employee at its Concarril manufacturing facility in Sahagun, Mexico. The Company retained outside counsel who conducted an independent investigation of the matter. In addition, the Company voluntarily contacted the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the United States Department of Justice to advise both agencies that an independent investigation was underway, and kept such agencies informed of the progress and results of the investigation. The investigation concluded that there were conflicts of interest in connection with procurement of supplies and materials at the Concarril facility, and inappropriate personal use of Company assets and resources. As a result of the investigation, the involved employee left the Company. No information was discovered to suggest that the misconduct involved the Company’s other operations, or executive officers or other senior managers, or that the misconduct had a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	From time to time, Greenbrier is involved as a defendant in litigation in the ordinary course of business, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty. While the ultimate outcome of such legal proceedings cannot be determined at this time, management believes that the resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In accordance with customary business practices in Europe, the Company has $3.9 million in bank and third party warranty and performance guarantee facilities, all of which have been utilized as of February 28, 2015. To date no amounts have been drawn under these guarantee facilities.
	As of February 28, 2015, the Mexican joint venture had $38.9 million of third party debt outstanding, for which the Company and its joint venture partner had each guaranteed approximately $34.4 million.
	As of February 28, 2015, the Company had outstanding letters of credit aggregating $10.1 million associated with performance guarantees, facility leases and workers compensation insurance.
	On July 18, 2014, the Company and Watco contributed its respective Repair operations to GBW, an unconsolidated 50/50 joint venture. The Company made $12.5 million in cash contributions in 2014 and $3.2 million in cash contributions and $2.5 million in loans in the first half of 2015. The Company expects to loan additional amounts, up to $12.0 million, during the remainder of 2015. The Company is likely to make additional capital contributions or loans to GBW in the future. As of February 28, 2015, the Company had a $2.5 million note receivable and a $21.0 million account receivable from GBW. The account receivable from GBW was for the initial sale of inventory to GBW which may be converted into a note receivable during the year. The Company receives approximately $5 million annually from GBW in lease payments for the Company’s owned facilities and equipment leased to GBW as well as quarterly distributions of a portion of GBW’s earnings. During the quarter ended February 28, 2015, the Company received $0.7 million in quarterly distributions from GBW.

Fair_Value_Measures

Fair Value Measures	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Value Measures	Note 13 – Fair Value Measures
	Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Fair value, for this disclosure, is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, under a three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	Level 1 -		observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments;
	Level 2 -		inputs, other than the quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments, which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and
	Level 3 -		unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2015 were:
	(In thousands)		Total		Level 1		Level 2 (1)		Level 3
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	1,434	$	—	$	1,434	$	—
	Nonqualified savings plan investments			12,439		12,439		—		—
	Cash equivalents			5,058		5,058		—		—
			$	18,931	$	17,497	$	1,434	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	2,263	$	—	$	2,263	$	—
	-1	Level 2 assets and liabilities include derivative financial instruments that are valued based on observable inputs. See Note 10 Derivative Instruments for further discussion.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2014 were:
	(In thousands)		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	200	$	—	$	200	$	—
	Nonqualified savings plan investments			10,223		10,223		—		—
	Cash equivalents			35,036		35,036		—		—
			$	45,459	$	45,259	$	200	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	1,995	$	—	$	1,995	$	—

GuarantorNonGuarantor

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Guarantor/Non-Guarantor	Note 14 – Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
	The convertible senior notes due 2026 (the “Notes”) issued on May 22, 2006 are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of Greenbrier’s material 100% owned U.S. subsidiaries: Autostack Company LLC, Greenbrier-Concarril, LLC, Greenbrier Leasing Company LLC, Greenbrier Leasing Limited Partner, LLC, Greenbrier Management Services, LLC, Greenbrier Leasing, L.P., Greenbrier Railcar LLC, Gunderson LLC, Gunderson Marine LLC, Gunderson Rail Services LLC, Meridian Rail Holding Corp., Meridian Rail Acquisition Corp., Meridian Rail Mexico City Corp., Brandon Railroad LLC, Gunderson Specialty Products, LLC, Greenbrier Railcar Leasing, Inc. and GBW Railcar Holdings, LLC. No other subsidiaries guarantee the Notes including Greenbrier Union Holdings I LLC, Greenbrier MUL Holdings I LLC, Greenbrier Leasing Limited, Greenbrier Europe B.V., Greenbrier Germany GmbH, WagonySwidnica S.A., Zaklad Naprawczy Taboru Kolejowego Olawa sp. z o.o., Zaklad Transportu Kolejowego SIARKOPOL sp. z o.o., Gunderson-Concarril, S.A. de C.V., Greenbrier Rail Services Canada, Inc., Mexico Meridianrail Services, S.A. de C.V., Greenbrier Railcar Services – Tierra Blanca S.A. de C.V., YSD Doors, S.A. de C.V., Greenbrier do Brasil Participações Ltda, Greenbrier Tank Components, LLC, Gunderson-Gimsa S.A. de C.V., Greenbrier, S.A. de C.V. and Greenbrier-Gimsa, LLC.
	The following represents the supplemental consolidating condensed financial information of Greenbrier and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014. The information is presented on the basis of Greenbrier accounting for its ownership of its wholly owned subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. The equity method investment for each subsidiary is recorded by the parent in intangibles and other assets. Intercompany transactions of goods and services between the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as if the sales or transfers were at fair value to third parties and eliminated in consolidation.
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	84,528		$	2,329		$	58,655		$	—		$	145,512
	Restricted cash		—			1,819			6,903			—			8,722
	Accounts receivable, net		644			433,730			54,491			(281,377	)		207,488
	Inventories		—			129,303			289,305			(18	)		418,590
	Leased railcars for syndication		—			222,389			—			(24,379	)		198,010
	Equipment on operating leases, net		—			260,850			3,075			(2,691	)		261,234
	Property, plant and equipment, net		9,840			103,772			158,365			—			271,977
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		1,059,361			161,439			3,916			(1,153,491	)		71,225
	Goodwill		—			43,265			—			—			43,265
	Intangibles and other assets, net		18,237			42,085			12,752			(8,688	)		64,386
		$	1,172,610		$	1,400,981		$	587,462		$	(1,470,644	)	$	1,690,409
	Liabilities and Equity
	Revolving notes	$	53,000		$	—		$	37,563		$	—		$	90,563
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		318,217			205,158			223,350			(328,881	)		417,844
	Deferred income taxes		14,954			72,073			—			(9,395	)		77,632
	Deferred revenue		122			28,121			—			44			28,287
	Notes payable		244,826			195,188			1,312			—			441,326
	Total equity - Greenbrier		541,491			900,441			232,418			(1,132,859	)		541,491
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			92,819			447			93,266
	Total equity		541,491			900,441			325,237			(1,132,412	)		634,757
		$	1,172,610		$	1,400,981		$	587,462		$	(1,470,644	)	$	1,690,409
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the three months ended February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Revenue
	Manufacturing	$	—		$	322,665		$	427,555		$	(244,979	)	$	505,241
	Wheels & Parts		—			103,706			—			(1,066	)		102,640
	Leasing & Services		295			21,836			1			136			22,268
			295			448,207			427,556			(245,909	)		630,149
	Cost of revenue
	Manufacturing		—			269,619			359,452			(225,844	)		403,227
	Wheels & Parts		—			93,966			—			(1,198	)		92,768
	Leasing & Services		—			8,868			—			(24	)		8,844
			—			372,453			359,452			(227,066	)		504,839
	Margin		295			75,754			68,104			(18,843	)		125,310
	Selling and administrative		14,477			8,522			10,146			(246	)		32,899
	Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(120	)		—			(1	)		(121	)
	Earnings (loss) from operations		(14,182	)		67,352			57,958			(18,596	)		92,532
	Other costs
	Interest and foreign exchange		3,120			1,743			(2,934	)		—			1,929
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(17,302	)		65,609			60,892			(18,596	)		90,603
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(7,481	)		(16,420	)		(9,846	)		4,375			(29,372	)
	Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(24,783	)		49,189			51,046			(14,221	)		61,231
	Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		75,134			10,852			48			(86,219	)		(185	)
	Net earnings (loss)		50,351			60,041			51,094			(100,440	)		61,046
	Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(19,429	)		8,734			(10,695	)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	50,351		$	60,041		$	31,665		$	(91,706	)	$	50,351
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the six months ended February 28, 2015
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Revenue
Manufacturing	$	—		$	596,477		$	793,301		$	(504,588	)	$	885,190
Wheels & Parts		—			192,171			—			(2,907	)		189,264
Leasing & Services		173			50,302			1			277			50,753
		173			838,950			793,302			(507,218	)		1,125,207
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing		—			505,271			673,225			(459,232	)		719,264
Wheels & Parts		—			172,624			—			(2,984	)		169,640
Leasing & Services		—			22,973			—			(48	)		22,925
		—			700,868			673,225			(462,264	)		911,829
Margin		173			138,082			120,077			(44,954	)		213,378
Selling and administrative		30,265			16,217			20,257			(111	)		66,628
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(203	)		—			(1	)		(204	)
Earnings (loss) from operations		(30,092	)		122,068			99,820			(44,842	)		146,954
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange		6,105			3,349			(4,384	)		—			5,070
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(36,197	)		118,719			104,204			(44,842	)		141,884
Income tax (expense) benefit		(8,691	)		(36,413	)		(14,671	)		14,349			(45,426	)
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(44,888	)		82,306			89,533			(30,493	)		96,458
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		128,025			16,235			95			(143,785	)		570
Net earnings (loss)		83,137			98,541			89,628			(174,278	)		97,028
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(35,577	)		21,686			(13,891	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	83,137		$	98,541		$	54,051		$	(152,592	)	$	83,137
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the three months ended February 28, 2015
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net earnings (loss)	$	50,351		$	60,041		$	51,094		$	(100,440	)	$	61,046
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment		—			(71	)		(6,170	)		—			(6,241	)
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			103			279			—			382
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			(366	)		558			—			192
Other (net of tax effect)		—			—			8			—			8
		—			(334	)		(5,325	)		—			(5,659	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		50,351			59,707			45,769			(100,440	)		55,387
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(19,342	)		8,734			(10,608	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	50,351		$	59,707		$	26,427		$	(91,706	)	$	44,779
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the six months ended February 28, 2015
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net earnings (loss)	$	83,137		$	98,541		$	89,628		$	(174,278	)	$	97,028
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment		—			(119	)		(9,572	)		—			(9,691	)
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			562			109			—			671
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			(1,197	)		1,083			—			(114	)
Other (net of tax effect)		—			—			6			—			6
		—			(754	)		(8,374	)		—			(9,128	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		83,137			97,787			81,254			(174,278	)		87,900
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(35,442	)		21,686			(13,756	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	83,137		$	97,787		$	45,812		$	(152,592	)	$	74,144
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the six months ended February 28, 2015
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	83,137		$	98,541		$	89,628		$	(174,278	)	$	97,028
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes		2,846			(8,417	)		2,326			—			(3,245	)
Depreciation and amortization		955			13,179			8,312			(48	)		22,398
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(203	)		—			(1	)		(204	)
Stock based compensation expense		7,193			—			—			—			7,193
Noncontrolling interest adjustments		—			—			—			21,824			21,824
Other		43			6			501			(1	)		549
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net		(19	)		19,260			7,687			(33,184	)		(6,256	)
Inventories		—			(16,186	)		(100,168	)		(78	)		(116,432	)
Leased railcars for syndication		—			(96,990	)		—			21,426			(75,564	)
Other		1,542			1,726			(6,347	)		2,724			(355	)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		25,397			(16,725	)		41,013			(12,164	)		37,521
Deferred revenue		—			8,171			(421	)		—			7,750
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		121,094			2,362			42,531			(173,780	)		(7,793	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of assets		—			3,019			—			—			3,019
Capital expenditures		(4,618	)		(14,709	)		(34,927	)		398			(53,856	)
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates		(163,337	)		(15,760	)		—			173,382			(5,715	)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash		—			419			(1	)		—			418
Other		467			—			—			—			467
Net cash provided by (used in) investing		(167,488	)		(27,031	)		(34,928	)		173,780			(55,667	)
activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net changes in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less		53,000			—			—			—			53,000
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			42,563			—			42,563
Repayment of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			(18,081	)		—			(18,081	)
Repayments of notes payable		(5	)		(3,516	)		(219	)		—			(3,740	)
Intercompany advances		(20,716	)		21,269			(553	)		—			—
Decrease in restricted cash		—			11,000			—			—			11,000
Repurchase of stock		(46,946	)		—			—			—			(46,946	)
Dividends		(8,016	)		—			—			—			(8,016	)
Cash distribution to joint venture partner		—			—			(4,422	)		—			(4,422	)
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards		3,858			—			—			—			3,858
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(18,825	)		28,753			19,288			—			29,216
Effect of exchange rate changes		—			(1,867	)		(3,293	)		—			(5,160	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(65,219	)		2,217			23,598			—			(39,404	)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period		149,747			112			35,057			—			184,916
End of period	$	84,528		$	2,329		$	58,655		$	—		$	145,512
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
August 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	149,747		$	112		$	35,057		$	—		$	184,916
Restricted cash		—			13,238			6,902			—			20,140
Accounts receivable, net		626			474,409			62,421			(337,777	)		199,679
Inventories		—			113,117			192,634			(95	)		305,656
Leased railcars for syndication		—			128,965			—			(3,115	)		125,850
Equipment on operating leases, net		—			257,415			3,613			(2,180	)		258,848
Property, plant and equipment, net		6,220			102,972			134,506			—			243,698
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		910,732			143,768			3,961			(989,102	)		69,359
Goodwill		—			43,265			—			—			43,265
Intangibles and other assets, net		17,031			45,013			14,221			(10,508	)		65,757
	$	1,084,356		$	1,322,274		$	453,315		$	(1,342,777	)	$	1,517,168
Liabilities and Equity
Revolving notes	$	—		$	—		$	13,081		$	—		$	13,081
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		315,879			221,863			185,335			(339,788	)		383,289
Deferred income taxes		12,109			80,489			—			(11,215	)		81,383
Deferred revenue		122			19,950			487			44			20,603
Notes payable		244,856			198,705			1,530			—			445,091
Total equity Greenbrier		511,390			801,267			190,861			(992,128	)		511,390
Noncontrolling interest		—			—			62,021			310			62,331
Total equity		511,390			801,267			252,882			(991,818	)		573,721
	$	1,084,356		$	1,322,274		$	453,315		$	(1,342,777	)	$	1,517,168
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the three months ended February 28, 2014
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Revenue
Manufacturing	$	—		$	219,195		$	305,328		$	(176,768	)	$	347,755
Wheels & Parts		—			138,191			—			(1,651	)		136,540
Leasing & Services		367			17,395			1			158			17,921
		367			374,781			305,329			(178,261	)		502,216
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing		—			200,464			278,474			(172,366	)		306,572
Wheels & Parts		—			129,570			—			(1,630	)		127,940
Leasing & Services		—			9,874			—			(21	)		9,853
		—			339,908			278,474			(174,017	)		444,365
Margin		367			34,873			26,855			(4,244	)		57,851
Selling and administrative		9,111			9,944			8,920			150			28,125
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(4,971	)		(272	)		(173	)		(5,416	)
Restructuring charges		—			540			—			—			540
Earnings (loss) from operations		(8,744	)		29,360			18,207			(4,221	)		34,602
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange		2,899			959			241			—			4,099
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(11,643	)		28,401			17,966			(4,221	)		30,503
Income tax (expense) benefit		4,281			(10,100	)		(5,405	)		1,341			(9,883	)
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(7,362	)		18,301			12,561			(2,880	)		20,620
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		22,949			1,643			45			(24,704	)		(67	)
Net earnings (loss)		15,587			19,944			12,606			(27,584	)		20,553
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(7,269	)		2,303			(4,966	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	15,587		$	19,944		$	5,337		$	(25,281	)	$	15,587
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the six months ended February 28, 2014
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Revenue
Manufacturing	$	—		$	405,199		$	617,639		$	(315,610	)	$	707,228
Wheels & Parts		—			252,912			—			(2,971	)		249,941
Leasing & Services		757			34,330			1			314			35,402
		757			692,441			617,640			(318,267	)		992,571
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing		—			368,001			560,997			(310,986	)		618,012
Wheels & Parts		—			238,857			—			(2,942	)		235,915
Leasing & Services		—			19,276			—			(42	)		19,234
		—			626,134			560,997			(313,970	)		873,161
Margin		757			66,307			56,643			(4,297	)		119,410
Selling and administrative		17,711			19,157			17,067			299			54,234
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(8,145	)		(615	)		(307	)		(9,067	)
Restructuring charges		—			1,419			—			—			1,419
Earnings (loss) from operations		(16,954	)		53,876			40,191			(4,289	)		72,824
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange		5,833			1,763			1,247			—			8,843
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(22,787	)		52,113			38,944			(4,289	)		63,981
Income tax (expense) benefit		7,435			(19,553	)		(9,656	)		1,369			(20,405	)
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(15,352	)		32,560			29,288			(2,920	)		43,576
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		46,327			2,445			77			(48,875	)		(26	)
Net earnings (loss)		30,975			35,005			29,365			(51,795	)		43,550
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(14,532	)		1,957			(12,575	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	30,975		$	35,005		$	14,833		$	(49,838	)	$	30,975
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the three months ended February 28, 2014
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net earnings (loss)	$	15,587		$	19,944		$	12,606		$	(27,584	)	$	20,553
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment		—			(33	)		844			—			811
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			253			(73	)		—			180
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			345			7			—			352
		—			565			778			—			1,343
Comprehensive income (loss)		15,587			20,509			13,384			(27,584	)		21,896
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(7,289	)		2,303			(4,986	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	15,587		$	20,509		$	6,095		$	(25,281	)	$	16,910
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the six months ended February 28, 2014
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Net earnings (loss)	$	30,975		$	35,005		$	29,365		$	(51,795	)	$	43,550
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment		—			12			3,310			—			3,322
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			511			(194	)		—			317
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			1,106			8			—			1,114
		—			1,629			3,124			—			4,753
Comprehensive income (loss)		30,975			36,634			32,489			(51,795	)		48,303
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(14,593	)		1,957			(12,636	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	30,975		$	36,634		$	17,896		$	(49,838	)	$	35,667
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the six months ended February 28, 2014
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	30,975		$	35,005		$	29,365		$	(51,795	)	$	43,550
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes		296			(1,189	)		(555	)		—			(1,448	)
Depreciation and amortization		965			14,113			5,717			(42	)		20,753
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(8,145	)		(615	)		(307	)		(9,067	)
Stock based compensation expense		2,862			—			—			—			2,862
Noncontrolling interest adjustments		—			—			—			2,439			2,439
Other		—			313			17			(1	)		329
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net		36,804			(76,172	)		14,061			32,207			6,900
Inventories		—			20,361			(11,244	)		30			9,147
Leased railcars for syndication		—			(16,040	)		—			2,437			(13,603	)
Other		(1,466	)		2,160			(557	)		(69	)		68
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(19,558	)		62,844			(9,923	)		(33,850	)		(487	)
Deferred revenue		(78	)		4,697			755			3			5,377
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		50,800			37,947			27,021			(48,948	)		66,820
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of assets		—			27,897			774			—			28,671
Capital expenditures		(2,902	)		(5,101	)		(8,526	)		—			(16,529	)
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates		(46,396	)		(2,552	)		(1,253	)		48,948			(1,253	)
Increase in restricted cash		—			(156	)		(1	)		—			(157	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(49,298	)		20,088			(9,006	)		48,948			10,732
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			31,738			—			31,738
Repayment of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			(53,209	)		—			(53,209	)
Repayments of notes payable		—			(2,041	)		(421	)		—			(2,462	)
Intercompany advances		55,783			(56,474	)		691			—			—
Repurchase of stock		(8,889	)		—			—			—			(8,889	)
Investment by joint venture partner		—			—			419			—			419
Cash distribution to joint venture partner		—			—			(1,604	)		—			(1,604	)
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards		110			—			—			—			110
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		47,004			(58,515	)		(22,386	)		—			(33,897	)
Effect of exchange rate changes		—			488			2,351			—			2,839
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		48,506			8			(2,020	)		—			46,494
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period		63,173			25			34,237			—			97,435
End of period	$	111,679		$	33		$	32,217		$	—		$	143,929

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Components of Inventories	The following table summarizes the Company’s inventory balance:
	(In thousands)	February 28,			August 31,
		2015			2014
	Manufacturing supplies and raw materials	$	329,169		$	235,903
	Work-in-process		70,710			48,853
	Finished goods		21,779			23,766
	Excess and obsolete adjustment		(3,068	)		(2,866	)
		$	418,590		$	305,656

Intangibles_and_Other_Assets_n1

Intangibles and Other Assets, net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Identifiable Intangible and Other Assets	The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable intangible and other assets balance:
	(In thousands)	February 28,			August 31,
		2015			2014
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships	$	65,023		$	65,023
	Accumulated amortization		(32,018	)		(30,282	)
	Other intangibles		3,455			3,699
	Accumulated amortization		(3,065	)		(3,156	)
			33,395			35,284
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization		912			912
	Nonqualified savings plan investments		12,439			10,223
	Prepaid and other assets		11,245			11,736
	Debt issuance costs, net		6,395			7,602
	Total Intangible and other assets, net	$	64,386		$	65,757

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
	(In thousands)	February 28,		August 31,
		2015		2014
	Trade payables	$	258,371	$	204,744
	Other accrued liabilities		61,453		66,421
	Accrued payroll and related liabilities		54,932		64,959
	Accrued maintenance		16,698		14,329
	Income taxes payable		13,530		19,709
	Accrued warranty		9,188		9,340
	Other		3,672		3,787
		$	417,844	$	383,289

Warranty_Accruals_Tables

Warranty Accruals (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Warranty Accrual Activity	Warranty accrual activity:
	(In thousands)	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		February 28,						February 28,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	8,896		$	11,479		$	9,340		$	12,128
	Charged to cost of revenue, net		1,299			625			1,946			1,247
	Payments		(829	)		(1,511	)		(1,803	)		(2,983	)
	Currency translation effect		(178	)		80			(295	)		281
	Balance at end of period	$	9,188		$	10,673		$	9,188		$	10,673

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect as appropriate, consisted of the following:
	(In thousands)		Unrealized			Foreign			Other			Accumulated
			Loss on			Currency						Other
			Derivative			Translation						Comprehensive
			Financial			Adjustment						Loss
			Instruments
	Balance, August 31, 2014		$	(1,601	)	$	(4,813	)	$	(518	)	$	(6,932	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(114	)		(9,556	)1		6			(9,664	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			671			—			—			671
	Balance, February 28, 2015		$	(1,044	)	$	(14,369	)	$	(512	)	$	(15,925	)
	1	Primarily relates to the foreign currency translation of the Company’s Zloty functional currency operations in Poland to US Dollars.
Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss into the Consolidated Statements of Income, with presentation location, were as follows:
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended						Financial Statement
			February 28,						February 28,
	(In thousands)		2015			2014			2015			2014			Location
	(Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	127		$	(89	)	$	134		$	(240	)	Revenue
	Interest rate swap contracts			450			409			907			829		Interest and foreign exchange
				577			320			1,041			589		Total before tax
				(195	)		(140	)		(370	)		(272	)	Tax expense
			$	382		$	180		$	671		$	317		Net of tax

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Reconciliation of Shares Used in Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The shares used in the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per common share are reconciled as follows:
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			February 28,				February 28,
			2015		2014		2015		2014
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding (1)			27,028		28,300		27,348		28,359
	Dilutive effect of 2018 Convertible notes (2)			6,044		6,045		6,044		6,045
	Dilutive effect of 2026 Convertible notes (3)			1		—		3		—
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding			33,073		34,345		33,395		34,404
	-1	Restricted stock grants and restricted stock units, including some grants subject to certain performance criteria, are included in weighted average basic common shares outstanding when the Company is in a net earnings position.
	-2	The dilutive effect of the 2018 Convertible notes was included for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 as they were considered dilutive under the “if converted” method as further discussed below.
	-3	The dilutive effect of the 2026 Convertible notes was included for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 as the average stock price was greater than $48.05, as further described below. The effect of the 2026 Convertible notes was excluded for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 as the average stock price was less than $48.05 and therefore was considered anti-dilutive.
Approach to Calculate Diluted Earning per Share
			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			February 28,				February 28,
			2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier		$	50,351	$	15,587	$	83,137	$	30,975
	Add back:
	Interest and debt issuance costs on the 2018 Convertible notes, net of tax			1,416		1,416		2,832		2,832
	Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs on convertible notes		$	51,767	$	17,003	$	85,969	$	33,807
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding			33,073		34,345		33,395		34,404
	Diluted earnings per share (1)		$	1.57	$	0.5	$	2.57	$	0.98
	-1	Diluted earnings per share was calculated as follows:

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
				February 28,				August 31,					February 28,				August 31,
				2015				2014					2015				2014
	(In thousands)	Balance sheet		Fair				Fair			Balance sheet		Fair				Fair
		location		Value				Value			location		Value				Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign forward exchange contracts	Accounts receivable, net		$	1,330			$	129		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	6			$	704
	Interest rate swap contracts	Intangibles and other assets, net			—				—		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			2,253				1,286
				$	1,330			$	129				$	2,259			$	1,990
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign forward	Accounts receivable, net		$	104			$	71		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	4			$	5
	exchange contracts
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Income	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Location of gain recognized in income on		Gain recognized in income on derivatives
		derivatives		six months ended
				February 28,
				2015				2014
	Foreign forward exchange contract	Interest and foreign exchange		$	81			$	196
	Interest rate swap contracts	Interest and foreign exchange			69				—
				$	150			$	196
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Gain (loss)								Location of	Gain (loss)								Location of	Gain recognized
		recognized in OCI								gain (loss)	reclassified from								gain in	on derivative
		on derivatives								reclassified	accumulated OCI								income on	(ineffective
		(effective portion)								from	into income								derivative	portion and
		six months ended								accumulated	(effective portion)								(ineffective	amount
		February 28,								OCI into	six months ended								portion and	excluded from
										income	February 28,								amount	effectiveness
																			excluded from	testing)
																			effectiveness	six months ended
																			testing)	February 28,
		2015				2014					2015				2014					2015		2014
	Foreign forward exchange contracts	$	1,204			$	1,388			Revenue	$	(134	)		$	239			Interest and	$	792	$	384
																			foreign
																			exchange
	Interest rate swap contracts		(1,925	)			13			Interest and		(907	)			(828	)		Interest and		—		—
										foreign									foreign
										exchange									exchange
		$	(721	)		$	1,401				$	(1,041	)		$	(589	)			$	792	$	384

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Segments' Internal Financial Reports	The information in the following table is derived directly from the segments’ internal financial reports used for corporate management purposes.
	For the three months ended February 28, 2015:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	505,241	$	81		$	505,322		$	90,876		$	9		$	90,885
	Wheels & Parts		102,640		5,934			108,574			7,976			653			8,629
	Leasing & Services		22,268		18,627			40,895			9,811			18,627			28,438
	Eliminations		—		(24,642	)		(24,642	)		—			(19,289	)		(19,289	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(16,131	)		—			(16,131	)
		$	630,149	$	—		$	630,149		$	92,532		$	—		$	92,532
	For the six months ended February 28, 2015:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	885,190	$	7,501		$	892,691		$	142,927		$	795		$	143,722
	Wheels & Parts		189,264		12,845			202,109			15,908			1,437			17,345
	Leasing & Services		50,753		31,811			82,564			20,853			31,811			52,664
	Eliminations		—		(52,157	)		(52,157	)		—			(34,043	)		(34,043	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(32,734	)		—			(32,734	)
		$	1,125,207	$	—		$	1,125,207		$	146,954		$	—		$	146,954
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	347,755	$	—		$	347,755		$	30,112		$	—		$	30,112
	Wheels & Parts		136,540		2,307			138,847			3,574			42			3,616
	Leasing & Services		17,921		5,414			23,335			9,636			5,420			15,056
	Eliminations		—		(7,721	)		(7,721	)		—			(5,462	)		(5,462	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(8,720	)		—			(8,720	)
		$	502,216	$	—		$	502,216		$	34,602		$	—		$	34,602
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014:
		Revenue								Earnings (loss) from operations
		External		Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
	Manufacturing	$	707,228	$	—		$	707,228		$	68,426		$	—		$	68,426
	Wheels & Parts		249,941		3,960			253,901			3,201			73			3,274
	Leasing & Services		35,402		8,289			43,691			18,305			8,289			26,594
	Eliminations		—		(12,249	)		(12,249	)		—			(8,362	)		(8,362	)
	Corporate		—		—			—			(17,108	)		—			(17,108	)
		$	992,571	$	—		$	992,571		$	72,824		$	—		$	72,824
		Total assets
		February 28,		August 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing	$	663,567	$	521,711
	Wheels & Parts		291,358		298,009
	Leasing & Services		516,835		436,075
	Unallocated		218,649		261,373
		$	1,690,409	$	1,517,168

Fair_Value_Measures_Tables

Fair Value Measures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2015 were:
	(In thousands)		Total		Level 1		Level 2 (1)		Level 3
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	1,434	$	—	$	1,434	$	—
	Nonqualified savings plan investments			12,439		12,439		—		—
	Cash equivalents			5,058		5,058		—		—
			$	18,931	$	17,497	$	1,434	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	2,263	$	—	$	2,263	$	—
	-1	Level 2 assets and liabilities include derivative financial instruments that are valued based on observable inputs. See Note 10 Derivative Instruments for further discussion.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2014 were:
	(In thousands)		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	200	$	—	$	200	$	—
	Nonqualified savings plan investments			10,223		10,223		—		—
	Cash equivalents			35,036		35,036		—		—
			$	45,459	$	45,259	$	200	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments		$	1,995	$	—	$	1,995	$	—

GuarantorNonGuarantor_Tables

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	84,528		$	2,329		$	58,655		$	—		$	145,512
	Restricted cash		—			1,819			6,903			—			8,722
	Accounts receivable, net		644			433,730			54,491			(281,377	)		207,488
	Inventories		—			129,303			289,305			(18	)		418,590
	Leased railcars for syndication		—			222,389			—			(24,379	)		198,010
	Equipment on operating leases, net		—			260,850			3,075			(2,691	)		261,234
	Property, plant and equipment, net		9,840			103,772			158,365			—			271,977
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		1,059,361			161,439			3,916			(1,153,491	)		71,225
	Goodwill		—			43,265			—			—			43,265
	Intangibles and other assets, net		18,237			42,085			12,752			(8,688	)		64,386
		$	1,172,610		$	1,400,981		$	587,462		$	(1,470,644	)	$	1,690,409
	Liabilities and Equity
	Revolving notes	$	53,000		$	—		$	37,563		$	—		$	90,563
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		318,217			205,158			223,350			(328,881	)		417,844
	Deferred income taxes		14,954			72,073			—			(9,395	)		77,632
	Deferred revenue		122			28,121			—			44			28,287
	Notes payable		244,826			195,188			1,312			—			441,326
	Total equity - Greenbrier		541,491			900,441			232,418			(1,132,859	)		541,491
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			92,819			447			93,266
	Total equity		541,491			900,441			325,237			(1,132,412	)		634,757
		$	1,172,610		$	1,400,981		$	587,462		$	(1,470,644	)	$	1,690,409
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	August 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	149,747		$	112		$	35,057		$	—		$	184,916
	Restricted cash		—			13,238			6,902			—			20,140
	Accounts receivable, net		626			474,409			62,421			(337,777	)		199,679
	Inventories		—			113,117			192,634			(95	)		305,656
	Leased railcars for syndication		—			128,965			—			(3,115	)		125,850
	Equipment on operating leases, net		—			257,415			3,613			(2,180	)		258,848
	Property, plant and equipment, net		6,220			102,972			134,506			—			243,698
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		910,732			143,768			3,961			(989,102	)		69,359
	Goodwill		—			43,265			—			—			43,265
	Intangibles and other assets, net		17,031			45,013			14,221			(10,508	)		65,757
		$	1,084,356		$	1,322,274		$	453,315		$	(1,342,777	)	$	1,517,168
	Liabilities and Equity
	Revolving notes	$	—		$	—		$	13,081		$	—		$	13,081
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		315,879			221,863			185,335			(339,788	)		383,289
	Deferred income taxes		12,109			80,489			—			(11,215	)		81,383
	Deferred revenue		122			19,950			487			44			20,603
	Notes payable		244,856			198,705			1,530			—			445,091
	Total equity Greenbrier		511,390			801,267			190,861			(992,128	)		511,390
	Noncontrolling interest		—			—			62,021			310			62,331
	Total equity		511,390			801,267			252,882			(991,818	)		573,721
		$	1,084,356		$	1,322,274		$	453,315		$	(1,342,777	)	$	1,517,168
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the three months ended February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Revenue
	Manufacturing	$	—		$	322,665		$	427,555		$	(244,979	)	$	505,241
	Wheels & Parts		—			103,706			—			(1,066	)		102,640
	Leasing & Services		295			21,836			1			136			22,268
			295			448,207			427,556			(245,909	)		630,149
	Cost of revenue
	Manufacturing		—			269,619			359,452			(225,844	)		403,227
	Wheels & Parts		—			93,966			—			(1,198	)		92,768
	Leasing & Services		—			8,868			—			(24	)		8,844
			—			372,453			359,452			(227,066	)		504,839
	Margin		295			75,754			68,104			(18,843	)		125,310
	Selling and administrative		14,477			8,522			10,146			(246	)		32,899
	Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(120	)		—			(1	)		(121	)
	Earnings (loss) from operations		(14,182	)		67,352			57,958			(18,596	)		92,532
	Other costs
	Interest and foreign exchange		3,120			1,743			(2,934	)		—			1,929
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(17,302	)		65,609			60,892			(18,596	)		90,603
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(7,481	)		(16,420	)		(9,846	)		4,375			(29,372	)
	Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(24,783	)		49,189			51,046			(14,221	)		61,231
	Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		75,134			10,852			48			(86,219	)		(185	)
	Net earnings (loss)		50,351			60,041			51,094			(100,440	)		61,046
	Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(19,429	)		8,734			(10,695	)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	50,351		$	60,041		$	31,665		$	(91,706	)	$	50,351
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the six months ended February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Revenue
	Manufacturing	$	—		$	596,477		$	793,301		$	(504,588	)	$	885,190
	Wheels & Parts		—			192,171			—			(2,907	)		189,264
	Leasing & Services		173			50,302			1			277			50,753
			173			838,950			793,302			(507,218	)		1,125,207
	Cost of revenue
	Manufacturing		—			505,271			673,225			(459,232	)		719,264
	Wheels & Parts		—			172,624			—			(2,984	)		169,640
	Leasing & Services		—			22,973			—			(48	)		22,925
			—			700,868			673,225			(462,264	)		911,829
	Margin		173			138,082			120,077			(44,954	)		213,378
	Selling and administrative		30,265			16,217			20,257			(111	)		66,628
	Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(203	)		—			(1	)		(204	)
	Earnings (loss) from operations		(30,092	)		122,068			99,820			(44,842	)		146,954
	Other costs
	Interest and foreign exchange		6,105			3,349			(4,384	)		—			5,070
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(36,197	)		118,719			104,204			(44,842	)		141,884
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(8,691	)		(36,413	)		(14,671	)		14,349			(45,426	)
	Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(44,888	)		82,306			89,533			(30,493	)		96,458
	Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		128,025			16,235			95			(143,785	)		570
	Net earnings (loss)		83,137			98,541			89,628			(174,278	)		97,028
	Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(35,577	)		21,686			(13,891	)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	83,137		$	98,541		$	54,051		$	(152,592	)	$	83,137
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the three months ended February 28, 2014
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Revenue
Manufacturing	$	—		$	219,195		$	305,328		$	(176,768	)	$	347,755
Wheels & Parts		—			138,191			—			(1,651	)		136,540
Leasing & Services		367			17,395			1			158			17,921
		367			374,781			305,329			(178,261	)		502,216
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing		—			200,464			278,474			(172,366	)		306,572
Wheels & Parts		—			129,570			—			(1,630	)		127,940
Leasing & Services		—			9,874			—			(21	)		9,853
		—			339,908			278,474			(174,017	)		444,365
Margin		367			34,873			26,855			(4,244	)		57,851
Selling and administrative		9,111			9,944			8,920			150			28,125
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(4,971	)		(272	)		(173	)		(5,416	)
Restructuring charges		—			540			—			—			540
Earnings (loss) from operations		(8,744	)		29,360			18,207			(4,221	)		34,602
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange		2,899			959			241			—			4,099
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(11,643	)		28,401			17,966			(4,221	)		30,503
Income tax (expense) benefit		4,281			(10,100	)		(5,405	)		1,341			(9,883	)
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(7,362	)		18,301			12,561			(2,880	)		20,620
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		22,949			1,643			45			(24,704	)		(67	)
Net earnings (loss)		15,587			19,944			12,606			(27,584	)		20,553
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(7,269	)		2,303			(4,966	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	15,587		$	19,944		$	5,337		$	(25,281	)	$	15,587
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the six months ended February 28, 2014
(In thousands, unaudited)
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-
				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
							Subsidiaries
Revenue
Manufacturing	$	—		$	405,199		$	617,639		$	(315,610	)	$	707,228
Wheels & Parts		—			252,912			—			(2,971	)		249,941
Leasing & Services		757			34,330			1			314			35,402
		757			692,441			617,640			(318,267	)		992,571
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing		—			368,001			560,997			(310,986	)		618,012
Wheels & Parts		—			238,857			—			(2,942	)		235,915
Leasing & Services		—			19,276			—			(42	)		19,234
		—			626,134			560,997			(313,970	)		873,161
Margin		757			66,307			56,643			(4,297	)		119,410
Selling and administrative		17,711			19,157			17,067			299			54,234
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(8,145	)		(615	)		(307	)		(9,067	)
Restructuring charges		—			1,419			—			—			1,419
Earnings (loss) from operations		(16,954	)		53,876			40,191			(4,289	)		72,824
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange		5,833			1,763			1,247			—			8,843
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(22,787	)		52,113			38,944			(4,289	)		63,981
Income tax (expense) benefit		7,435			(19,553	)		(9,656	)		1,369			(20,405	)
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		(15,352	)		32,560			29,288			(2,920	)		43,576
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates		46,327			2,445			77			(48,875	)		(26	)
Net earnings (loss)		30,975			35,005			29,365			(51,795	)		43,550
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(14,532	)		1,957			(12,575	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	30,975		$	35,005		$	14,833		$	(49,838	)	$	30,975
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the three months ended February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net earnings (loss)	$	50,351		$	60,041		$	51,094		$	(100,440	)	$	61,046
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Translation adjustment		—			(71	)		(6,170	)		—			(6,241	)
	Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			103			279			—			382
	Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			(366	)		558			—			192
	Other (net of tax effect)		—			—			8			—			8
			—			(334	)		(5,325	)		—			(5,659	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)		50,351			59,707			45,769			(100,440	)		55,387
	Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(19,342	)		8,734			(10,608	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	50,351		$	59,707		$	26,427		$	(91,706	)	$	44,779
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the six months ended February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net earnings (loss)	$	83,137		$	98,541		$	89,628		$	(174,278	)	$	97,028
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Translation adjustment		—			(119	)		(9,572	)		—			(9,691	)
	Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			562			109			—			671
	Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			(1,197	)		1,083			—			(114	)
	Other (net of tax effect)		—			—			6			—			6
			—			(754	)		(8,374	)		—			(9,128	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)		83,137			97,787			81,254			(174,278	)		87,900
	Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(35,442	)		21,686			(13,756	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	83,137		$	97,787		$	45,812		$	(152,592	)	$	74,144
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net earnings (loss)	$	15,587		$	19,944		$	12,606		$	(27,584	)	$	20,553
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Translation adjustment		—			(33	)		844			—			811
	Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			253			(73	)		—			180
	Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			345			7			—			352
			—			565			778			—			1,343
	Comprehensive income (loss)		15,587			20,509			13,384			(27,584	)		21,896
	Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(7,289	)		2,303			(4,986	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	15,587		$	20,509		$	6,095		$	(25,281	)	$	16,910
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Net earnings (loss)	$	30,975		$	35,005		$	29,365		$	(51,795	)	$	43,550
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Translation adjustment		—			12			3,310			—			3,322
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)		—			511			(194	)		—			317
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments		—			1,106			8			—			1,114
		—			1,629			3,124			—			4,753
Comprehensive income (loss)		30,975			36,634			32,489			(51,795	)		48,303
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(14,593	)		1,957			(12,636	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	$	30,975		$	36,634		$	17,896		$	(49,838	)	$	35,667
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the six months ended February 28, 2015
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net earnings (loss)	$	83,137		$	98,541		$	89,628		$	(174,278	)	$	97,028
	Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Deferred income taxes		2,846			(8,417	)		2,326			—			(3,245	)
	Depreciation and amortization		955			13,179			8,312			(48	)		22,398
	Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(203	)		—			(1	)		(204	)
	Stock based compensation expense		7,193			—			—			—			7,193
	Noncontrolling interest adjustments		—			—			—			21,824			21,824
	Other		43			6			501			(1	)		549
	Decrease (increase) in assets:
	Accounts receivable, net		(19	)		19,260			7,687			(33,184	)		(6,256	)
	Inventories		—			(16,186	)		(100,168	)		(78	)		(116,432	)
	Leased railcars for syndication		—			(96,990	)		—			21,426			(75,564	)
	Other		1,542			1,726			(6,347	)		2,724			(355	)
	Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		25,397			(16,725	)		41,013			(12,164	)		37,521
	Deferred revenue		—			8,171			(421	)		—			7,750
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		121,094			2,362			42,531			(173,780	)		(7,793	)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Proceeds from sales of assets		—			3,019			—			—			3,019
	Capital expenditures		(4,618	)		(14,709	)		(34,927	)		398			(53,856	)
	Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates		(163,337	)		(15,760	)		—			173,382			(5,715	)
	Decrease (increase) in restricted cash		—			419			(1	)		—			418
	Other		467			—			—			—			467
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing		(167,488	)		(27,031	)		(34,928	)		173,780			(55,667	)
	activities
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Net changes in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less		53,000			—			—			—			53,000
	Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			42,563			—			42,563
	Repayment of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			(18,081	)		—			(18,081	)
	Repayments of notes payable		(5	)		(3,516	)		(219	)		—			(3,740	)
	Intercompany advances		(20,716	)		21,269			(553	)		—			—
	Decrease in restricted cash		—			11,000			—			—			11,000
	Repurchase of stock		(46,946	)		—			—			—			(46,946	)
	Dividends		(8,016	)		—			—			—			(8,016	)
	Cash distribution to joint venture partner		—			—			(4,422	)		—			(4,422	)
	Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards		3,858			—			—			—			3,858
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(18,825	)		28,753			19,288			—			29,216
	Effect of exchange rate changes		—			(1,867	)		(3,293	)		—			(5,160	)
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(65,219	)		2,217			23,598			—			(39,404	)
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Beginning of period		149,747			112			35,057			—			184,916
	End of period	$	84,528		$	2,329		$	58,655		$	—		$	145,512
	The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014
	(In thousands, unaudited)
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-
					Subsidiaries			Guarantor
								Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net earnings (loss)	$	30,975		$	35,005		$	29,365		$	(51,795	)	$	43,550
	Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Deferred income taxes		296			(1,189	)		(555	)		—			(1,448	)
	Depreciation and amortization		965			14,113			5,717			(42	)		20,753
Net gain on disposition of equipment		—			(8,145	)		(615	)		(307	)		(9,067	)
Stock based compensation expense		2,862			—			—			—			2,862
Noncontrolling interest adjustments		—			—			—			2,439			2,439
Other		—			313			17			(1	)		329
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net		36,804			(76,172	)		14,061			32,207			6,900
Inventories		—			20,361			(11,244	)		30			9,147
Leased railcars for syndication		—			(16,040	)		—			2,437			(13,603	)
Other		(1,466	)		2,160			(557	)		(69	)		68
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(19,558	)		62,844			(9,923	)		(33,850	)		(487	)
Deferred revenue		(78	)		4,697			755			3			5,377
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		50,800			37,947			27,021			(48,948	)		66,820
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of assets		—			27,897			774			—			28,671
Capital expenditures		(2,902	)		(5,101	)		(8,526	)		—			(16,529	)
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates		(46,396	)		(2,552	)		(1,253	)		48,948			(1,253	)
Increase in restricted cash		—			(156	)		(1	)		—			(157	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(49,298	)		20,088			(9,006	)		48,948			10,732
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			31,738			—			31,738
Repayment of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days		—			—			(53,209	)		—			(53,209	)
Repayments of notes payable		—			(2,041	)		(421	)		—			(2,462	)
Intercompany advances		55,783			(56,474	)		691			—			—
Repurchase of stock		(8,889	)		—			—			—			(8,889	)
Investment by joint venture partner		—			—			419			—			419
Cash distribution to joint venture partner		—			—			(1,604	)		—			(1,604	)
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards		110			—			—			—			110
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		47,004			(58,515	)		(22,386	)		—			(33,897	)
Effect of exchange rate changes		—			488			2,351			—			2,839
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		48,506			8			(2,020	)		—			46,494
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period		63,173			25			34,237			—			97,435
End of period	$	111,679		$	33		$	32,217		$	—		$	143,929

Interim_Financial_Statements_A

Interim Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Apr. 02, 2015	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program total cost of repurchased shares	$46,946,000	$10,272,000
Share Repurchase Program - 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Amount authorized for repurchase			75,000,000
Expiration date of share repurchase program	30-Jun-16
Additional amount authorized for repurchase			25,000,000
Stock repurchase program total cost of repurchased shares	46,900,000			23,800,000
Repurchase of common stock, shares	862,678			483,983
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	43,600,000			43,600,000
Share Repurchase Program - 2014 | Subsequent Event
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program total cost of repurchased shares					1,500,000
Repurchase of common stock, shares					28,363
Maximum | Share Repurchase Program - 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Amount authorized for repurchase						50,000,000
Maximum | Share Repurchase Program - 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Amount authorized for repurchase							$50,000,000

Components_of_Inventories_Deta

Components of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Manufacturing supplies and raw materials	$329,169	$235,903
Work-in-process	70,710	48,853
Finished goods	21,779	23,766
Excess and obsolete adjustment	-3,068	-2,866
Inventories	$418,590	$305,656

Identifiable_Intangible_and_Ot

Identifiable Intangible and Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$33,395	$35,284
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	912	912
Nonqualified savings plan investments	12,439	10,223
Prepaid and other assets	11,245	11,736
Debt issuance costs, net	6,395	7,602
Total Intangible and other assets, net	64,386	65,757
Customer Relationships
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets gross	65,023	65,023
Accumulated amortization	-32,018	-30,282
Other Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets gross	3,455	3,699
Accumulated amortization	($3,065)	($3,156)

Recovered_Sheet1

Intangibles and Other Assets, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$0.90	$1	$1.80	$2.60
Future amortization expense, 2015	3.6		3.6
Future amortization expense, 2016	3.6		3.6
Future amortization expense, 2017	3.6		3.6
Future amortization expense, 2018	3.4		3.4
Future amortization expense, 2019	$3.40		$3.40

Revolving_Notes_Additional_Inf

Revolving Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility outstanding amount	$90,563,000	$13,081,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of senior secured credit facilities	3
Line of credit facility maximum capacity	356,500,000
North American Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letter of credit facility outstanding amount	10,100,000	9,600,000
Line of credit facility outstanding amount	53,000,000
North American Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility maximum capacity	290,000,000
Line of credit maturity date	2016-06
North American Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage points added to the reference rate	2.25%
North American Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | Prime Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage points added to the reference rate	1.25%
Mexican Joint Venture Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility outstanding amount	37,600,000	13,100,000
Mexican Joint Venture Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility maximum capacity	50,000,000
Number of lines of credits	2
Mexican Joint Venture Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | First Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility maximum capacity	20,000,000
Line of credit facility borrowings outstanding due period	2015-04
Mexican Joint Venture Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | Second Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility maximum capacity	30,000,000
Mexican Joint Venture Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | LIBOR | First Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage points added to the reference rate	2.50%
Mexican Joint Venture Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | LIBOR | Second Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage points added to the reference rate	2.00%
European Credit Facilities | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility maximum capacity	$16,500,000
European Credit Facilities | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit maturity date	2015-06
European Credit Facilities | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit maturity date	2017-04
European Credit Facilities | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | WIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage points added to the reference rate	1.20%
European Credit Facilities | Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit | WIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage points added to the reference rate	1.50%

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Trade payables	$258,371		$204,744
Other accrued liabilities	61,453		66,421
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	54,932		64,959
Accrued maintenance	16,698		14,329
Income taxes payable	13,530		19,709
Accrued warranty	9,188	8,896	9,340	10,673	11,479	12,128
Other	3,672		3,787
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$417,844		$383,289

Warranty_Accruals_Activity_Det

Warranty Accruals Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$8,896	$11,479	$9,340	$12,128
Charged to cost of revenue, net	1,299	625	1,946	1,247
Payments	-829	-1,511	-1,803	-2,983
Currency translation effect	-178	80	-295	281
Balance at end of period	$9,188	$10,673	$9,188	$10,673

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($6,932)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-9,664
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	671
Ending balance	-15,925
Unrealized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-1,601
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-114
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	671
Ending balance	-1,044
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-4,813
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-9,556	[1]
Ending balance	-14,369
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-518
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6
Ending balance	($512)
[1]	Primarily relates to the foreign currency translation of the Company's Zloty functional currency operations in Poland to US Dollars.

Amounts_Reclassified_out_of_Ac

Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenue	$630,149	$502,216	$1,125,207	$992,571
Interest and foreign exchange	-1,929	-4,099	-5,070	-8,843
Earnings before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	90,603	30,503	141,884	63,981
Tax expense	-29,372	-9,883	-45,426	-20,405
Net of tax	61,231	20,620	96,458	43,576
Unrealized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	577	320	1,041	589
Tax expense	-195	-140	-370	-272
Net of tax	382	180	671	317
Unrealized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Foreign Exchange Contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenue	127	-89	134	-240
Unrealized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest rate swap contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Interest and foreign exchange	$450	$409	$907	$829

Reconciliation_of_Basic_and_Di

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	27,028	[1]	28,300	[1]	27,348	[1]	28,359	[1]
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	33,073		34,345		33,395		34,404
2018 Senior Notes
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Dilutive effect of convertible notes	6,044	[2]	6,045	[2]	6,044	[2]	6,045	[2]
2026 Senior Notes
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Dilutive effect of convertible notes	1	[3]			3	[3]
[1]	Restricted stock grants and restricted stock units, including some grants subject to certain performance criteria, are included in weighted average basic common shares outstanding when the Company is in a net earnings position.
[2]	The dilutive effect of the 2018 Convertible notes was included for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 as they were considered dilutive under the "if converted" method as further discussed below.
[3]	The dilutive effect of the 2026 Convertible notes was included for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 as the average stock price was greater than $48.05, as further described below. The effect of the 2026 Convertible notes was excluded for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 as the average stock price was less than $48.05 and therefore was considered anti-dilutive.

Reconciliation_of_Basic_and_Di1

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) (2026 Senior Notes, USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
2026 Senior Notes
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Convertible notes average stock price, per share	$48.05	$48.05

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (2026 Senior Notes, USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
2026 Senior Notes
Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Convertible notes initial conversion rate, per share	$48.05	$48.05

Approach_to_Calculate_Diluted_

Approach to Calculate Diluted Earning Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier	$50,351		$15,587		$83,137		$30,975
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	33,073		34,345		33,395		34,404
Diluted earnings per share	$1.57	[1]	$0.50	[1]	$2.57	[1]	$0.98	[1]
2018 Senior Notes
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Interest and debt issuance costs on the 2018 Convertible notes, net of tax	1,416		1,416		2,832		2,832
Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs on convertible notes	$51,767		$17,003		$85,969		$33,807
[1]	Diluted earnings per share was calculated as follows: Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs (net of tax) on convertible notes Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock compensation expense	$3.80	$1.50	$7.20	$2.90
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock compensation expense	$3.80	$1.50	$7.20	$2.90

Derivative_Instruments_Additio

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Pre-tax gain (loss) that would be reclassified to interest expense in the next 12 months	$1.70
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate derivative notional amount	86.8
Interest rate swap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate derivative notional amount	$97.40
Maturity date	2020-03

Fair_Values_of_Derivative_Inst

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$1,330	$129
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	2,259	1,990
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	6	704
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | Accounts Receivable, net
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	1,330	129
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	2,253	1,286
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	4	5
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | Accounts Receivable, net
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$104	$71

Effect_of_Derivative_Instrumen

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Income (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain recognized in income on derivatives	$150	$196
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (effective portion)	-721	1,401
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-1,041	-589
Gain Recognized on Derivative (Ineffective portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	792	384
Foreign Exchange Forward | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (effective portion)	1,204	1,388
Foreign Exchange Forward | Interest and Foreign Exchange | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain recognized in income on derivatives	81	196
Gain Recognized on Derivative (Ineffective portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	792	384
Foreign Exchange Forward | Sales | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-134	239
Interest rate swap contracts | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (effective portion)	-1,925	13
Interest rate swap contracts | Interest and Foreign Exchange | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain recognized in income on derivatives	69
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	($907)	($828)

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 18, 2014
			Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments			3
Total revenue	$630,149	$502,216	$1,125,207	$992,571
Total assets	1,690,409		1,690,409		1,517,168
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-185	-67	570	-26
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	71,225		71,225		69,359
GBW Railcar Services Holdings, LLC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity method investment, percentage of ownership interest						50.00%
Total revenue	83,300		165,900
Total assets	217,400		217,400		210,600
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	300		100
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	$57,700		$57,700
GBW Railcar Services Holdings, LLC | Watco Companies LLC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity method investment, percentage of ownership interest						50.00%

Segments_Internal_Financial_Re

Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$630,149	$502,216	$1,125,207	$992,571
Earnings (loss) from operations	92,532	34,602	146,954	72,824
Assets	1,690,409		1,690,409		1,517,168
Manufacturing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	505,241	347,755	885,190	707,228
Wheels & Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	102,640	136,540	189,264	249,941
Leasing & Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	22,268	17,921	50,753	35,402
External Customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	630,149	502,216	1,125,207	992,571
Earnings (loss) from operations	92,532	34,602	146,954	72,824
Operating Segments | Manufacturing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	505,322	347,755	892,691	707,228
Earnings (loss) from operations	90,885	30,112	143,722	68,426
Assets	663,567		663,567		521,711
Operating Segments | Wheels & Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	108,574	138,847	202,109	253,901
Earnings (loss) from operations	8,629	3,616	17,345	3,274
Assets	291,358		291,358		298,009
Operating Segments | Leasing & Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	40,895	23,335	82,564	43,691
Earnings (loss) from operations	28,438	15,056	52,664	26,594
Assets	516,835		516,835		436,075
Operating Segments | Unallocated Amount to Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	218,649		218,649		261,373
Operating Segments | External Customers | Manufacturing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	505,241	347,755	885,190	707,228
Earnings (loss) from operations	90,876	30,112	142,927	68,426
Operating Segments | External Customers | Wheels & Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	102,640	136,540	189,264	249,941
Earnings (loss) from operations	7,976	3,574	15,908	3,201
Operating Segments | External Customers | Leasing & Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	22,268	17,921	50,753	35,402
Earnings (loss) from operations	9,811	9,636	20,853	18,305
Operating Segments | Inter Segment | Manufacturing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	81		7,501
Earnings (loss) from operations	9		795
Operating Segments | Inter Segment | Wheels & Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	5,934	2,307	12,845	3,960
Earnings (loss) from operations	653	42	1,437	73
Operating Segments | Inter Segment | Leasing & Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	18,627	5,414	31,811	8,289
Earnings (loss) from operations	18,627	5,420	31,811	8,289
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	-24,642	-7,721	-52,157	-12,249
Earnings (loss) from operations	-19,289	-5,462	-34,043	-8,362
Intersegment Eliminations | Inter Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	-24,642	-7,721	-52,157	-12,249
Earnings (loss) from operations	-19,289	-5,462	-34,043	-8,362
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from operations	-16,131	-8,720	-32,734	-17,108
Corporate, Non-Segment | External Customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from operations	($16,131)	($8,720)	($32,734)	($17,108)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 18, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Remedial investigation and feasibility study	$110,000,000
Remedial investigation and feasibility study, period	14 years
Remedial investigation and feasibility study, expiration year	2017
Bank and third party warranty and performance guarantee facilities	3,900,000
GBW Railcar Services Holdings, LLC
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Equity method investment, percentage of ownership interest			50.00%
Payment to acquire equity method investments	3,200,000	12,500,000
Account receivable	21,000,000
Note receivable	2,500,000
Proceeds from lease receivables	5,000,000
Quarterly distributions received	700,000
GBW Railcar Services Holdings, LLC | Watco Companies LLC
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Equity method investment, percentage of ownership interest			50.00%
Performance Guarantee
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	10,100,000
Mexican Joint Venture Credit Facility
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	38,900,000
Guarantee obligations	34,400,000
Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Period for remedial action	2 years
Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Period for remedial action	28 years
Maximum | GBW Railcar Services Holdings, LLC
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected loan to unconsolidated joint venture	12,000,000
Portland Harbor Site | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Cleanup expenses	169,000,000
Portland Harbor Site | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Cleanup expenses	1,800,000,000
Area Of Willamette River Adjacent to the Company's Portland, Oregon Manufacturing Facility | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Cleanup expenses	9,000,000
Area Of Willamette River Adjacent to the Company's Portland, Oregon Manufacturing Facility | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Cleanup expenses	$163,000,000

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Nonqualified savings plan investments	$12,439		$10,223
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments	1,434		200
Nonqualified savings plan investments	12,439		10,223
Cash equivalents	5,058		35,036
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	18,931		45,459
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	2,263		1,995
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Nonqualified savings plan investments	12,439		10,223
Cash equivalents	5,058		35,036
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	17,497		45,259
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments	1,434	[1]	200
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	1,434	[1]	200
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	$2,263	[1]	$1,995
[1]	Level 2 assets and liabilities include derivative financial instruments that are valued based on observable inputs. See Note 10 Derivative Instruments for further discussion.

GuarantorNon_Guarantor_Additio

Guarantor/Non Guarantor - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	100.00%

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$145,512	$184,916	$143,929	$97,435
Restricted cash	8,722	20,140
Accounts receivable, net	207,488	199,679
Inventories	418,590	305,656
Leased railcars for syndication	198,010	125,850
Equipment on operating leases, net	261,234	258,848
Property, plant and equipment, net	271,977	243,698
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	71,225	69,359
Goodwill	43,265	43,265
Intangibles and other assets, net	64,386	65,757
Total assets	1,690,409	1,517,168
Liabilities and Equity
Revolving notes	90,563	13,081
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	417,844	383,289
Deferred income taxes	77,632	81,383
Deferred revenue	28,287	20,603
Notes payable	441,326	445,091
Total equity - Greenbrier	541,491	511,390
Noncontrolling interest	93,266	62,331
Total equity	634,757	573,721	497,579	456,827
Liabilities and Equity	1,690,409	1,517,168
Parent
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	84,528	149,747	111,679	63,173
Accounts receivable, net	644	626
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,840	6,220
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	1,059,361	910,732
Intangibles and other assets, net	18,237	17,031
Total assets	1,172,610	1,084,356
Liabilities and Equity
Revolving notes	53,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	318,217	315,879
Deferred income taxes	14,954	12,109
Deferred revenue	122	122
Notes payable	244,826	244,856
Total equity - Greenbrier	541,491	511,390
Total equity	541,491	511,390
Liabilities and Equity	1,172,610	1,084,356
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	2,329	112	33	25
Restricted cash	1,819	13,238
Accounts receivable, net	433,730	474,409
Inventories	129,303	113,117
Leased railcars for syndication	222,389	128,965
Equipment on operating leases, net	260,850	257,415
Property, plant and equipment, net	103,772	102,972
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	161,439	143,768
Goodwill	43,265	43,265
Intangibles and other assets, net	42,085	45,013
Total assets	1,400,981	1,322,274
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	205,158	221,863
Deferred income taxes	72,073	80,489
Deferred revenue	28,121	19,950
Notes payable	195,188	198,705
Total equity - Greenbrier	900,441	801,267
Total equity	900,441	801,267
Liabilities and Equity	1,400,981	1,322,274
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	58,655	35,057	32,217	34,237
Restricted cash	6,903	6,902
Accounts receivable, net	54,491	62,421
Inventories	289,305	192,634
Equipment on operating leases, net	3,075	3,613
Property, plant and equipment, net	158,365	134,506
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	3,916	3,961
Intangibles and other assets, net	12,752	14,221
Total assets	587,462	453,315
Liabilities and Equity
Revolving notes	37,563	13,081
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	223,350	185,335
Deferred revenue		487
Notes payable	1,312	1,530
Total equity - Greenbrier	232,418	190,861
Noncontrolling interest	92,819	62,021
Total equity	325,237	252,882
Liabilities and Equity	587,462	453,315
Eliminations
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	-281,377	-337,777
Inventories	-18	-95
Leased railcars for syndication	-24,379	-3,115
Equipment on operating leases, net	-2,691	-2,180
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	-1,153,491	-989,102
Intangibles and other assets, net	-8,688	-10,508
Total assets	-1,470,644	-1,342,777
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-328,881	-339,788
Deferred income taxes	-9,395	-11,215
Deferred revenue	44	44
Total equity - Greenbrier	-1,132,859	-992,128
Noncontrolling interest	447	310
Total equity	-1,132,412	-991,818
Liabilities and Equity	($1,470,644)	($1,342,777)

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Revenue
Revenue	$630,149	$502,216	$1,125,207	$992,571
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	504,839	444,365	911,829	873,161
Margin	125,310	57,851	213,378	119,410
Selling and administrative	32,899	28,125	66,628	54,234
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-121	-5,416	-204	-9,067
Restructuring charges		540		1,419
Earnings (loss) from operations	92,532	34,602	146,954	72,824
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange	1,929	4,099	5,070	8,843
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	90,603	30,503	141,884	63,981
Income tax (expense) benefit	-29,372	-9,883	-45,426	-20,405
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	61,231	20,620	96,458	43,576
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-185	-67	570	-26
Net earnings (loss)	61,046	20,553	97,028	43,550
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-10,695	-4,966	-13,891	-12,575
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	50,351	15,587	83,137	30,975
Manufacturing
Revenue
Revenue	505,241	347,755	885,190	707,228
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	403,227	306,572	719,264	618,012
Wheels & Parts
Revenue
Revenue	102,640	136,540	189,264	249,941
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	92,768	127,940	169,640	235,915
Leasing & Services
Revenue
Revenue	22,268	17,921	50,753	35,402
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	8,844	9,853	22,925	19,234
Parent
Revenue
Revenue	295	367	173	757
Cost of revenue
Margin	295	367	173	757
Selling and administrative	14,477	9,111	30,265	17,711
Earnings (loss) from operations	-14,182	-8,744	-30,092	-16,954
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange	3,120	2,899	6,105	5,833
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-17,302	-11,643	-36,197	-22,787
Income tax (expense) benefit	-7,481	4,281	-8,691	7,435
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-24,783	-7,362	-44,888	-15,352
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	75,134	22,949	128,025	46,327
Net earnings (loss)	50,351	15,587	83,137	30,975
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	50,351	15,587	83,137	30,975
Parent | Leasing & Services
Revenue
Revenue	295	367	173	757
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenue
Revenue	448,207	374,781	838,950	692,441
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	372,453	339,908	700,868	626,134
Margin	75,754	34,873	138,082	66,307
Selling and administrative	8,522	9,944	16,217	19,157
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-120	-4,971	-203	-8,145
Restructuring charges		540		1,419
Earnings (loss) from operations	67,352	29,360	122,068	53,876
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange	1,743	959	3,349	1,763
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	65,609	28,401	118,719	52,113
Income tax (expense) benefit	-16,420	-10,100	-36,413	-19,553
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	49,189	18,301	82,306	32,560
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	10,852	1,643	16,235	2,445
Net earnings (loss)	60,041	19,944	98,541	35,005
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	60,041	19,944	98,541	35,005
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries | Manufacturing
Revenue
Revenue	322,665	219,195	596,477	405,199
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	269,619	200,464	505,271	368,001
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries | Wheels & Parts
Revenue
Revenue	103,706	138,191	192,171	252,912
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	93,966	129,570	172,624	238,857
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries | Leasing & Services
Revenue
Revenue	21,836	17,395	50,302	34,330
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	8,868	9,874	22,973	19,276
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenue
Revenue	427,556	305,329	793,302	617,640
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	359,452	278,474	673,225	560,997
Margin	68,104	26,855	120,077	56,643
Selling and administrative	10,146	8,920	20,257	17,067
Net gain on disposition of equipment		-272		-615
Earnings (loss) from operations	57,958	18,207	99,820	40,191
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange	-2,934	241	-4,384	1,247
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	60,892	17,966	104,204	38,944
Income tax (expense) benefit	-9,846	-5,405	-14,671	-9,656
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	51,046	12,561	89,533	29,288
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	48	45	95	77
Net earnings (loss)	51,094	12,606	89,628	29,365
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-19,429	-7,269	-35,577	-14,532
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	31,665	5,337	54,051	14,833
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Manufacturing
Revenue
Revenue	427,555	305,328	793,301	617,639
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	359,452	278,474	673,225	560,997
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Leasing & Services
Revenue
Revenue	1	1	1	1
Eliminations
Revenue
Revenue	-245,909	-178,261	-507,218	-318,267
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	-227,066	-174,017	-462,264	-313,970
Margin	-18,843	-4,244	-44,954	-4,297
Selling and administrative	-246	150	-111	299
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-1	-173	-1	-307
Earnings (loss) from operations	-18,596	-4,221	-44,842	-4,289
Other costs
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-18,596	-4,221	-44,842	-4,289
Income tax (expense) benefit	4,375	1,341	14,349	1,369
Earnings (loss) before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-14,221	-2,880	-30,493	-2,920
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	-86,219	-24,704	-143,785	-48,875
Net earnings (loss)	-100,440	-27,584	-174,278	-51,795
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	8,734	2,303	21,686	1,957
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	-91,706	-25,281	-152,592	-49,838
Eliminations | Manufacturing
Revenue
Revenue	-244,979	-176,768	-504,588	-315,610
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	-225,844	-172,366	-459,232	-310,986
Eliminations | Wheels & Parts
Revenue
Revenue	-1,066	-1,651	-2,907	-2,971
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	-1,198	-1,630	-2,984	-2,942
Eliminations | Leasing & Services
Revenue
Revenue	136	158	277	314
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue	($24)	($21)	($48)	($42)

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015		Feb. 28, 2014
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$61,046		$20,553		$97,028		$43,550
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment	-6,241		811		-9,691		3,322
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)	382	[1]	180	[1]	671	[1]	317	[1]
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	192	[2]	352	[2]	-114	[2]	1,114	[2]
Other (net of tax effect)	8				6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,659		1,343		-9,128		4,753
Comprehensive income (loss)	55,387		21,896		87,900		48,303
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-10,608		-4,986		-13,756		-12,636
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	44,779		16,910		74,144		35,667
Parent
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	50,351		15,587		83,137		30,975
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)	50,351		15,587		83,137		30,975
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	50,351		15,587		83,137		30,975
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	60,041		19,944		98,541		35,005
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment	-71		-33		-119		12
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)	103		253		562		511
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	-366		345		-1,197		1,106
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-334		565		-754		1,629
Comprehensive income (loss)	59,707		20,509		97,787		36,634
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	59,707		20,509		97,787		36,634
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	51,094		12,606		89,628		29,365
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment	-6,170		844		-9,572		3,310
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)	279		-73		109		-194
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	558		7		1,083		8
Other (net of tax effect)	8				6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,325		778		-8,374		3,124
Comprehensive income (loss)	45,769		13,384		81,254		32,489
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-19,342		-7,289		-35,442		-14,593
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	26,427		6,095		45,812		17,896
Eliminations
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	-100,440		-27,584		-174,278		-51,795
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)	-100,440		-27,584		-174,278		-51,795
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	8,734		2,303		21,686		1,957
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier	($91,706)		($25,281)		($152,592)		($49,838)
[1]	Net of tax of effect of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 and $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.
[2]	Net of tax of effect of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 and $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014.

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem2

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$97,028	$43,550
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	-3,245	-1,448
Depreciation and amortization	22,398	20,753
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-204	-9,067
Stock based compensation expense	7,193	2,862
Noncontrolling interest adjustments	21,824	2,439
Other	549	329
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	-6,256	6,900
Inventories	-116,432	9,147
Leased railcars for syndication	-75,564	-13,603
Other	-355	68
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	37,521	-487
Deferred revenue	7,750	5,377
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-7,793	66,820
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of assets	3,019	28,671
Capital expenditures	-53,856	-16,529
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates	-5,715	-1,253
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	418	-157
Other	467
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-55,667	10,732
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net changes in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less	53,000
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days	42,563	31,738
Repayment of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days	-18,081	-53,209
Repayments of notes payable	-3,740	-2,462
Decrease in restricted cash	11,000
Repurchase of stock	-46,946	-8,889
Dividends	-8,016
Investment by joint venture partner		419
Cash distribution to joint venture partner	-4,422	-1,604
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards	3,858	110
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	29,216	-33,897
Effect of exchange rate changes	-5,160	2,839
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-39,404	46,494
Beginning of period	184,916	97,435
End of period	145,512	143,929
Parent
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	83,137	30,975
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	2,846	296
Depreciation and amortization	955	965
Stock based compensation expense	7,193	2,862
Other	43
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	-19	36,804
Other	1,542	-1,466
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25,397	-19,558
Deferred revenue		-78
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	121,094	50,800
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-4,618	-2,902
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates	-163,337	-46,396
Other	467
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-167,488	-49,298
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net changes in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less	53,000
Repayments of notes payable	-5
Intercompany advances	-20,716	55,783
Repurchase of stock	-46,946	-8,889
Dividends	-8,016
Excess tax benefit from restricted stock awards	3,858	110
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-18,825	47,004
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-65,219	48,506
Beginning of period	149,747	63,173
End of period	84,528	111,679
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	98,541	35,005
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	-8,417	-1,189
Depreciation and amortization	13,179	14,113
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-203	-8,145
Other	6	313
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	19,260	-76,172
Inventories	-16,186	20,361
Leased railcars for syndication	-96,990	-16,040
Other	1,726	2,160
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-16,725	62,844
Deferred revenue	8,171	4,697
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2,362	37,947
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of assets	3,019	27,897
Capital expenditures	-14,709	-5,101
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates	-15,760	-2,552
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	419	-156
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-27,031	20,088
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of notes payable	-3,516	-2,041
Intercompany advances	21,269	-56,474
Decrease in restricted cash	11,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	28,753	-58,515
Effect of exchange rate changes	-1,867	488
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,217	8
Beginning of period	112	25
End of period	2,329	33
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	89,628	29,365
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	2,326	-555
Depreciation and amortization	8,312	5,717
Net gain on disposition of equipment		-615
Other	501	17
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	7,687	14,061
Inventories	-100,168	-11,244
Other	-6,347	-557
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	41,013	-9,923
Deferred revenue	-421	755
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	42,531	27,021
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of assets		774
Capital expenditures	-34,927	-8,526
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates		-1,253
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	-1	-1
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-34,928	-9,006
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days	42,563	31,738
Repayment of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days	-18,081	-53,209
Repayments of notes payable	-219	-421
Intercompany advances	-553	691
Investment by joint venture partner		419
Cash distribution to joint venture partner	-4,422	-1,604
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	19,288	-22,386
Effect of exchange rate changes	-3,293	2,351
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	23,598	-2,020
Beginning of period	35,057	34,237
End of period	58,655	32,217
Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	-174,278	-51,795
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	-48	-42
Net gain on disposition of equipment	-1	-307
Noncontrolling interest adjustments	21,824	2,439
Other	-1	-1
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	-33,184	32,207
Inventories	-78	30
Leased railcars for syndication	21,426	2,437
Other	2,724	-69
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-12,164	-33,850
Deferred revenue		3
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-173,780	-48,948
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	398
Investment in and net advances to unconsolidated affiliates	173,382	48,948
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$173,780	$48,948